Job Title: Account Director
Job Title: Account Director – Medical Affairs
Location: Paris, France (Hybrid)
Permanent, Full Time
About Springer Nature
Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature.
About Springer Health+
Springer Health+, part of the Springer Nature group, is a global medical communications and education provider. Working in partnership with pharmaceutical companies and key opinion leaders, Springer Health+ delivers strategic medical communication solutions, clinical and scientific content and medical education initiatives delivered via multichannel solutions across the full range of therapeutic areas. We provide the essential tools to support healthcare professionals in achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.
About the Role
Springer Health+ is evolving how we partner with Client Medical Affairs teams in France, building on our strong scientific publishing heritage to become a trusted, long‑term partner in scientific communication, education, and impact.
We are now recruiting an Account Director (Medical Affairs) to lead this next phase.
This is a strategic account leadership role, not a traditional sales position. You will act as sole commercial owner for a small number of strategically critical Medical Affairs accounts, applying deep, long‑term focus rather than broad portfolio coverage.
You will work within a lean, high‑trust team, alongside experienced sales colleagues and dedicated Project Managers, in a model that deliberately prioritizes focus, depth, and credibility over volume.
In this role, you will own and grow strategically critical Medical Affairs accounts in France by:
Leading upstream, consultative conversations with MA stakeholders
Positioning Springer Health+ as a scientific partner, not just a publications provider
Using publications as anchors for broader scientific communication and education where appropriate
Ensuring strategic thinking is applied where it genuinely adds value
This role is grounded in Medical Affairs realities and constraints, not promotional or brand‑driven models.
This role applies strategic depth intentionally, not universally — focus and restraint are part of how value is created. Success comes from judgement, focus, and influence, not constant presence.
We are not looking for someone to sell more. We are looking for someone to help our clients think better, earlier, and more confidently — using science as the foundation.
Role Responsibilities:
Strategic Account Ownership (Primary Focus)
Act as sole commercial owner for a small portfolio of priority MA accounts (typically 3–5)
Develop and maintain long‑term account visions aligned to client MA objectives
Lead senior‑level discussions around evidence dissemination, scientific narrative, and MA impact
Be involved before briefs exist, helping clients define the right problems to solve
Selective Portfolio Influence (Secondary Focus)
Provide targeted strategic input to colleagues managing core/growth accounts at defined moments (e.g. annual MA planning, major data milestones)
Support framing of complex or high‑stakes discussions without taking day‑to‑day ownership
Act as a sounding board for strategic decision‑making, not an additional layer of attendance
This support is episodic and purpose‑driven, not ongoing account co‑ownership
Internal Leadership & Orchestration
Work closely with Project Managers to ensure a clean handover from strategy to execution
Involve editorial and scientific colleagues early when insight is required
Model what high‑quality, MA‑appropriate commercial conversations should look like
Contribute to the ongoing evolution of Springer Health+’s MA partnership approach in France
Commercial Judgement & Value Protection
Defend publication pricing discipline as a core asset
Shape bundled strategy‑and‑execution engagements where integration adds value
Avoid commoditised or execution‑only work that undermines long‑term positioning
Use scope and focus — not discounting — to manage commercial pressure
Measures of Success
Depth and quality of strategic dialogue with MA clients
Evidence of early involvement in MA planning conversations
Sustainable, multi‑year account growth where appropriate
Reduced dependency on single‑asset engagements
Feedback that positions Springer Health+ as a trusted advisor, not just a supplier
Experience, Skills & Qualifications:
Essential
Proven experience in account direction or strategic account management (agency, med comms, scientific communications, or adjacent fields)
Strong understanding of Medical Affairs environments and constraints
Comfort working with highly scientific content and stakeholders
Experience managing accounts beyond individual projects or transactions
Natural inclination toward listening, framing, and advising
Confident but measured communication style with senior clients
Able to balance strategic thinking with commercial accountability
Comfortable working in a small team with shared responsibility
Disciplined about focus and prioritization
Languages: Full professional fluency in English and French required, with the ability to operate confidently with both local French affiliates and global (English‑speaking) Medical Affairs stakeholders.
Desirable
Experience working alongside dedicated Project Managers
Exposure to publications as part of MA strategy (not necessarily only publishing)
Familiarity with global–local MA dynamics
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Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion
If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.
For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://careers.springernature.com/
Skills Required
- Academic qualifications in medicine, pharmaceutical or life sciences and extensive experience within the pharmaceutical industry
- Demonstrable account management experience within health communication agencies
- Demonstrated track record of successful development of local and global pharma accounts
- Self-motivated team player excelling in a fast-paced, innovative environment
- Outstanding organizational, analytical and commercial skills
- Skills in leading, mentoring and developing teams
- Strong time management, financial oversight and project management capabilities
- Proficient in financial forecasting and profitability analysis
- Strong networking within the pharma industry
- French native with excellent oral and written communication skills in English (B1/C2)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and account planning
What We Do
Research and learning are the cornerstones of progress, which is why we open doors to discovery for our communities, enabling millions of researchers, clinicians, educators and other professionals to access, trust and make sense of the latest insights. Springer Nature is an ambitious and dynamic organisation. For over 180 years our imprints, books, journals, platforms, and technology solutions have been a trusted source of knowledge to our communities. Today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood, and used, ensuring that the world continues to make progress, improving and enriching lives and helping to protect our planet for future generations. Global key facts: Established for over 180 years Nearly 10,000 colleagues 200 offices in 45 countries on all continents World’s largest academic book publisher Publisher of Nature, the world’s most influential journal First company to publish more than 1 million Open Access articles Key brands and imprints: Springer Nature is home to some of the best-known names in research, health, educational and professional publishing. Every day, around the globe, our brands reach millions of people. Nature Springer BMC Palgrave Macmillan Apress Macmillan Education Scientific American Springer Healthcare Springer Medizin Research Square J.B. Metzler BSL Adis
